The AVI Pledge: Transforming Risk Sharing in Healthcare with Value-Based Care
By Vickerie Williams, Sr. Director of Marketing, Access Vascular
As healthcare continues to evolve, the shift towards value-based care (VBC) has become a cornerstone for improving patient outcomes while controlling costs. This model emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality care and achieving optimal patient outcomes rather than merely the volume of services provided. Access Vascular, Inc. (AVI) has embraced this paradigm through its innovative AVI Pledge program, designed to support clinicians using Access Vascular devices. In this blog post, we will discuss the principles of value-based care, the significance of the AVI Pledge, and how this program aligns with the broader goals of the healthcare industry.
Understanding Value-Based Care
Value-based care represents a shift from the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) model, which compensates healthcare providers based on the number of services delivered, to a system that rewards providers for the quality of care they provide and/or the outcomes they achieve. The rewards can be from private insurance companies, medical device manufacturers, or even based on government-driven initiatives.
The primary objectives of value-based care are to:
Improve patient outcomes by focusing on preventive care, and effective management of diseases, and allow innovations to be explored and utilized where hospital systems might otherwise disallow their use. Value-based care aims to enhance the overall health of the population.
Reduce healthcare costs thru evidence-based practices, the use of the latest technology to help to minimize and/or reduce unnecessary procedures, complications, and hospital readmissions, and care coordination - thereby lowering healthcare expenditures.
Enhance patient experience by prioritizing patient-centered care. Value-based care ensures that patients receive care based on what provides the best quality and outcomes versus simply completion of the procedure – this results in better choices for patients.
The AVI Pledge: A Commitment to Quality and Performance
Access Vascular's dedication to value-based care is embodied in the AVI Pledge program, which integrates innovative technology, educational resources, and a performance guarantee.
Transformational Technology
Access Vascular has revolutionized the field of vascular access devices with its proprietary hydrophilic catheter material. This technology absorbs water during hydration, allowing the catheter to camouflage itself to the body and significantly reduce foreign body response, thereby decreasing the risk of complications such as thrombosis and infection. In a retrospective clinical study, the HydroMID® device demonstrated zero deep vein thromboses (DVTs) and only four replacements, compared to seven DVTs and 22 replacements with standard polyurethane midline catheters (i). More recent data has demonstrated a 99.99% reduction in bacterial adhesion versus both a standard polyurethane catheter and a CHG-coated polyurethane catheter in in vitro data which is promising for the reduction of infections like CABSI (Catheter Associated Bloodstream Infection).(ii)
Procedural Standardization and Education
One of the critical components of the AVI Pledge is procedural standardization. By ensuring uniform adoption of best practices and consistency in vascular access device placement across all care sectors, the program aims to achieve both operational and clinical success. Access Vascular provides comprehensive training and education to help support adherence to best practices. These resources cover the insertion, care, and maintenance of vascular access devices, based on best practices and standards of care. This emphasis on education helps clinicians stay updated with the latest techniques and protocols, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Performance Guarantee
The AVI Pledge also includes a performance guarantee, which underscores Access Vascular's confidence in its products and commitment to quality outcomes. Under this guarantee, if a device requires replacement due to performance issues causing DVT or infection, AVI provides a substantial dollar amount per incident to the customer following a quarterly rebate process.To participate in the AVI Pledge, healthcare providers must make a volume commitment based on their historical device usage and adhere to the best practices and standard of care outlined in the educational program component.
Aligning with Value-Based Care
The AVI Pledge is a prime example of how medical device companies can align their offerings with the principles of value-based care. By providing a performance guarantee, Access Vascular directly addresses the financial risks associated with adverse patient outcomes, thereby encouraging healthcare providers to adopt their advanced technology with confidence. This alignment benefits both providers and patients:
For providers, the financial support offered through the performance guarantee reduces the economic burden of complications, enabling them to focus on delivering high-quality care.
For patients, the advanced hydrophilic technology and procedural standardization translate into fewer complications and an overall better experience.
The Broader Impact on Healthcare
Programs like the AVI Pledge contribute to the broader goals of value-based care by fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes patient outcomes and cost-efficiency over supply-based contracts that don’t prioritize innovation. As more healthcare providers and medical device companies adopt similar initiatives, the overall quality of care improves, leading to a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.
Moreover, the emphasis on educational support and procedural standardization ensures that all clinicians, regardless of their level of experience, can provide consistent, high-quality care. This democratization of vascular access knowledge is crucial in addressing disparities in healthcare delivery based on legacy agreements and ensuring that all patients have access to the best possible modern treatment and device options.
Wrapping it Up
The AVI Pledge represents a significant step forward towards value-based care. By combining innovative technology with a robust performance guarantee and comprehensive educational support, Access Vascular is helping to transform the landscape of vascular access and improve patient outcomes. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the AVI Pledge will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of value-based care, ultimately benefiting providers, patients, and the entire healthcare system.
For more information about the AVI Pledge and Access Vascular's innovative solutions, contact our team here